Austin running for re-election to House of Delegates

Del. Terry L. Austin of Buchanan has filed to run for re-election to the House of Delegates.

The Republican has held the 19th District seat since 2014. He’ll be seeking his third two-year term.

The district is comprised of most of Botetourt County, Alleghany County, about half of Bedford County, including the Town of Bedford, and the City of Covington.

“It has been a pleasure to serve the citizens of the 19th District for the past four years,” Austin said in a news release about seeking re-election. “I look forward to continuing the work that we have started on behalf of my constituents.”

Throughout his two terms, Austin said he has focused on job creation, workforce training, transportation and K-12 education. At the same time, he said he has effectively promoted the 19th District for its American heritage resources and its outdoor recreation assets.

Austin is widely regarded as an effective communicator and collaborator, his re-election announcement said. Working across party lines, he formed regional bi-partisan coalitions in the General Assembly to deliver economic development investments to the 19th District. “Arkay Packaging, Ballast Point Brewery, Eldor, Fostek and WestRock have all chosen our district to grow,” Austin said.

He added, “And by bringing the Community College Shared Services group to our district, we have made our region an important component of the Commonwealth’s government services infrastructure. This means well-paying jobs for our citizens.”

Austin is described as “a tireless proponent for K-12 education and workforce training.” He supported improved education funding during 2017 budget hearings. He also sponsored legislation that improves the Standards of Learning (SOLs), and makes their assessments more equitable. Similarly, Austin said he enhanced the region’s workforce training resources with his introduction of Mechatronics Engineering into county schools and the area community colleges.

Austin is a native and lifelong resident of the 19th District. Growing up in Buchanan, he said he learned to appreciate the strong work ethic of its people. He adapted this work ethic himself, as the founder and president of Austin Electrical Construction Inc., a successful and growing enterprise that provides airfield lighting to airports throughout the East Coast.

Growing up here also helped him appreciate all that the region has to offer, he said. As a legislator, he said he has been a strong advocate for the 19th District’s assets. He sponsored legislation naming all of the James River in Botetourt a State Scenic River. He also worked for additional funding for Clifton Forge’s Historic Masonic Theatre.

Austin is a member of the House Transportation Committee, Science and Technology, and the Committee on Counties and Towns. The latter committee is an appropriate position for Austin, he said, because he served nearly 20 years on the Botetourt County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors prior to his election to the General Assembly.

“Serving the citizens is a privilege I take very seriously,” stated Austin. “Every day I receive e-mails, letters, phone calls and personal visits from citizens sharing their perspectives or asking for assistance on critical issues. I am their dedicated advocate. I relish working together with them to improve their well-being and that of the entire district.”

For more information on Austin’s re-election campaign, visit austinfordelegate.com, or contact the office at (254-1500 or email Aus4Del@aol.com.